Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap) on Face

What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis on the face is characterized by patches of red, flaky skin that typically appear near the top of the head. Many people experience symptoms as simple flaky dandruff, though others exhibit a more pronounced facial rash. 

Seborrheic dermatitis on face is also classified as facial seborrheic dermatitis or facial seborrheic eczema. According to the National Library Of Medicine, it affects around 10% of the adult population.

Though symptoms may appear at any time in one’s life, the condition is frequently associated with infants and small babies. It is known colloquially in the U.S. as “cradle cap” due to its characteristic presentation that covers the head like a cap. 

Cradle Cap on the face can be a very frustrating thing for young babies and requires a safe cradle cap body wash to remedy.  It is also known to extend down past the scalp and onto the top of the face. 

It is most likely to strike on parts of the face that are oily, such as 

• Eyebrows
• Forehead
• Eyelids
• Around the nose
• Ears
• Folds around the mouth

Symptoms Of Seborrheic Dermatitis On Face

Some of the most common symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis are

• Redness
• Itchy skin
• Rashes
• Crusty scales
• Flaking
• Yellow, greasy patches

What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap) on Face?

Though not entirely clear why some people develop the condition on the face, and others do not, there are some noteworthy contributing factors. 

• Hormonal changes
• Immune system responses 
• Malassezia yeast
• Body’s natural microbiome 

These may all in some way contribute to seborrheic dermatitis. The good news is that there is a reliable method to eliminate flaking, scaling, and redness associated with seborrheic dermatitis and cradle cap without subjecting your child’s face to the harsh chemicals historically used on children.

Cradle Cap On Your Babies Face

Cradle cap is more common on the baby’s scalp but can appear anywhere on the baby’s body. Cradle cap on your baby’s face will appear as thick, greasy scales and flakes that stick close to the skin.

Cradle cap on the baby’s face may look bothersome, but it is not harmful to the baby. And don’t worry, it is not contagious, so other babies won’t get it from your baby. Cradle cap in babies usually resolves on its own before the baby’s first birthday, but in some cases, it may persist.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment

Remember Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis can happen anywhere—even on the face. Dr. Eddie created a 95% natural cradle cap shampoo and body wash as the “Pediatrician’s Solution” for children for relief of skin itching, irritation, redness, flaking, and scaling associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoo

Adult dandruff shampoos often contain added chemical ingredients, including fragrances and dyes, that can irritate a child’s tender skin and adults’ sensitive skin. As a licensed pediatrician, Dr. Eddie knew he could do better. 

Happy Cappy Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo & Body Wash is made with the active ingredient pyrithione zinc, and contains 95% natural plant-based ingredients, including Licorice Root Extract for soothing relief of symptoms and Provitamin B5 for healthy hair and skin.

It is specially formulated for adult-sensitive skin to help them eliminate flaking and scaling associated with seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.

• Wash the scalp or affected area with seborrheic dermatitis shampoo 
• You can use it once daily when the symptoms are severe.
• But once the scaling and flaking are reduced, use it 2 to 3 times a week to prevent future buildup.
• While shampooing, gently massage the affected area with your fingertips, washcloth, or a cradle cap brush to get rid of excess scales.

A Cradle Cap Shampoo, Body Wash for Kids of All Ages

Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo & Body Wash is the first and only OTC product formulated for children to relieve the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. Happy Cappy is free of dyes, fragrances, alcohol, sulfates, parabens, and BPA. Many adults who exhibit symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis on the face prefer a remedy that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals. Because of this, Happy Cappy, a cruelty-free, pyrithione zinc shampoo, has become popular with adults. 

To get better results, try Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Cradle Cap Brush. Use it while shampooing to gently massage the baby’s scalp in circular motions to remove the excess scales and flakes. 

Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy products can be found at select Walgreens, Buy Buy Baby stores nationwide, Walmart.com, and Amazon.

When To Consult A Doctor

Cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis can manifest symptoms similar to those of other skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. People may believe they are experiencing seborrheic dermatitis and follow its treatment while they are actually experiencing eczema.

It is advised to consult a doctor if 

• The condition is not getting better with treatment
• The symptoms are getting worse
• If you suspect any signs of infection
• Cradle cap affects a larger part of your baby’s body.

It is best to get help in time because bacteria and infections can easily grow in irritated, inflamed skin, further worsening the condition.

FAQs

• About
• Latest Posts

Follow Me

Dr. Eddie Valenzuela

Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC.

More about Dr. Eddie.

Follow Me

Latest posts by Dr. Eddie Valenzuela (see all)

• Eczema VS Psoriasis: Discovering the Difference - February 24, 2025
• Eczema on Black Skin: Is It Different? - February 24, 2025
• Scalp Health – A Reflection of What We Eat? - February 24, 2025